By Zoe Russell, Nutrition Officer at Skinner’s
There’s an exhaustive list of elements that are key to running a farm, including one that’s an invaluable tool to many – a loyal, trustworthy, four-legged companion. But what does it take to keep our working dogs performing at their best?
A WELL-BALANCED DIET
A good diet should provide a range of quality, digestible ingredients. These ingredients should provide all the nutrients your dog needs in all the right proportions. If a diet is labelled as “complete” it means it provides all these nutrients, without needing additional supplementation. If you don’t provide a quality, balanced diet, you may run the risk of your dog developing a dietary deficiency, which could then affect their health, performance and welfare.
FUELLING THEM FROM DAY ONE
Feeding the right diet to young puppies is crucial, as it will influence their joint health, growth, cognitive development, immune health and more. A good puppy diet should be life stage appropriate and should be complete and balanced, to provide all the nutrients your puppy needs. All of the Skinner’s puppy diets provide support for their heart, joints, immune health, digestive health, and their cognitive development.
SUSTAIN AND RESTORE
The role of a working dog is a demanding one, with dogs required to perform consistently in all seasons and in all conditions. That’s where
a high-quality diet is key, with a good provision of essential nutrients such as protein and fat. Protein is an essential nutrient for repair and regeneration, while dogs preferentially use fat as a source of energy, particularly during endurance activity.
For active dogs, Skinner’s Field & Trial Muesli has stood the test of time for well over 25 years. The unique recipe uses a combination of flaked cereal, beef based kibbles and a delectable glucose coating to help provide both quick-release and slow-release energy. This can help fuel dogs during long working days and minimise the likelihood of them running out of “steam”. The glucose coating also makes this diet highly palatable and can tempt dogs who aren’t food orientated and even those too focused on the job at hand! Most dogs maintain a great weight and condition on the Muesli. However. if your dog is prone to running lean, or you need to feed significantly above the guidelines to keep weight on, that’s when a dietary “step up” may be needed. Diets such as Field & Trial Working 26 or Working 30 have a higher provision of key nutrients such as protein and fat to support the stamina and recovery of hard-working dogs. Having a higher nutrient-density means there’s more packed into every kibble, so you can feed a more “manageable” portion. If your dog does exhibit symptoms of a dietary intolerance and all other factors have been excluded, then you may consider a dietary change.”
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DIET
Historically working dogs have rather hardy digestive systems, as many breeds have been brought up on table scraps, scavenging and basic diets, but even the greatest of dogs experience dietary intolerances and therefore require a specific diet. If your dog does exhibit symptoms of a dietary intolerance and all other factors have been excluded, then you may consider a dietary change. If a dog is going to react to an ingredient, they tend to react to the protein of that ingredient- that’s where a novel protein source may be beneficial (i.e. a protein source they haven’t encountered before) such as duck or lamb.
GETTING THE RIGHT ADVICE
Need more advice about your dog’s diet? Harbro have a team of instore dog specialists who are highly trained and ready to help. They are friendly and knowledgeable and are there to answer any questions about your dog’s diet.